Software won't work on my MAC

Hello,
I'm trying to download Epi data software on my Mac from a flashdrive and it wont open. The software description says its made for Windows but it works for MAC computers based on emulation and on LINUX versions based on WINE. I have no clue what any of this means what can I do to open this software on my mac?

Hello,
The software description says its made for Windows but it works for MAC computers based on emulation and on LINUX versions based on WINE.

Click to expand...

You need a Windows emulator on your Mac to run this software, then. Either a full-fledged virtualized Windows environment through VMware, Parallels, or that free one whose name escapes me at the moment, or a WINE-like emulator such as CrossOver.

Silencio nailed what you need, go with one of those. Long story short, nothing that is free, since you either need a software that costs money or a free software with a Windows license, which costs money.

In other words, you fell prey to somewhat shady advertising. What they advertised is similar to saying that I can speak Korean (which I can't): if you run my English through enough filters and translators, eventually it will work. But the software was absolutely ONLY written for Windows. You may want to try to find a Mac equivalent that is actually written for a Mac if you don't want to mess around with virtualization and its hassles / costs.

Oh, and Consultant: this is a fair thread. It is unique and is asking a fair and interesting question. The OP is obviously pretty new and does not know what emulation refers to. Sure he could have googled it, but this is a very interesting example of some extremely shady ways of advertising "Mac Compatibility"

If I wanted to download Virtual Box for my MAC just to use a certain program how does that all work? I've looked at Parallels and Virtual Box seems very different. Is there a difference between the two? Also if I download virtual box would it compromise any programs on my system at all such as causing other applications to run slow or change my configuration for any other programs?

If I wanted to download Virtual Box for my MAC just to use a certain program how does that all work? I've looked at Parallels and Virtual Box seems very different. Is there a difference between the two? Also if I download virtual box would it compromise any programs on my system at all such as causing other applications to run slow or change my configuration for any other programs?

Thanks

Click to expand...

It should not change anything. It will obviously make things run slower when you are using it since it will be using a considerable amount of your RAM and CPU, but no, it should not effect anything other than that.

I have not used virtual box at all, only parallels, so I cannot really comment on their differences...

[EDIT] I would probably check out Darwine before I would fiddle with Virtual Box for the program you are looking at running. The program looks relatively "simple", and if it is advertised to work with Wine, this might be your best, cheapest, least resource-hungry option.

MacRumors attracts a broad audience
of both consumers and professionals interested in
the latest technologies and products. We also boast an active community focused on
purchasing decisions and technical aspects of the iPhone, iPod, iPad, and Mac platforms.